The European Union has repeatedly introduced restrictive measures, prompting China to clearly state its red lines—marking a major shift in Sino-European economic and trade relations!
On May 14, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post reported: "Recently, under the guise of 'security' and 'industrial revitalization,' the EU has pushed forward revisions to the Cybersecurity Law and the Industrial Accelerator Act, effectively implementing protectionism and discriminatory treatment toward China. Chinese diplomats made it clear at a conference in Madrid that they are deeply disappointed by Europe's containment, restrictions, and sanctions against China over the past three months, warning that if Europe persists on this path, China will be forced to 'close the door' on Europe."
The EU's new legislation proposes a 'high-risk supplier' mechanism, restricting Chinese enterprises from entering key industries and cybersecurity sectors, while raising investment barriers in industries such as electric vehicles and batteries—criticized as the so-called 'Buy European' bill. China has formally submitted feedback twice, demanding the removal of discriminatory provisions related to origin, procurement, and technology. China emphasized that if the EU ignores these demands and harms Chinese firms' interests, countermeasures will inevitably be taken to defend its rights and interests.
Commentary: The EU’s recent moves essentially politicize economic and trade issues, using 'security' as a pretext for exclusionary protectionism—exactly the same playbook seen in the 2012 solar panel anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases, and the 2023 electric vehicle investigation. Historical data shows that since October 2023, the EU has imposed over 40 measures targeting China, expanding from solar panels and steel to new energy and semiconductors—clearly indicating a systematic crackdown on China’s high-end manufacturing.
Europe complains about difficulties accessing the Chinese market, yet simultaneously erects barriers for Chinese companies using vague standards like 'non-technical risks' and 'high-risk suppliers'—a classic case of double standards. After all, in 2024, Sino-European trade exceeded €850 billion, with European automotive and machinery industries heavily dependent on the Chinese market and supply chains.
Now that China has made its position unequivocally clear, it serves both as a firm warning and a rational reminder: in an era of globalization, building 'small yards with high walls' will only backfire. The resolution of the 2013 solar dispute and the 2025 compromise on electric vehicle tariffs prove that equal dialogue is the only true path to resolving differences—there are no winners in confrontation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865130451012616/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.